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 Cleaning the throttle body on a fuel injected engine is one of the most effective ways of restoring idle quality, performance and fuel efficiency. It is a simple job for the DIY’er and should be carried out every 10,000km if you want to keep your engine running at it’s best.

 The tools and supplies required are;

• Screwdriver or spanners/sockets for removing air intake at the throttlebody
• Can of throttle body cleaner. There are dedicated Throttle Body cleaners and Carb. Cleaner, either will do the job as the majority of carby cleaners available are sensor safe.
• A Toothbrush. Preferably an old one, I do not recommend ever putting it back in your mouth after doing this job!
• A rag to be placed under the throttle body to prevent spills on painted surfaces.
• Eye Protection is recommended, see below.

 PRECAUTIONS - Throttle body and Carb. cleaner is corrosive and must be used with caution. It will strip paint so imagine what it can do to your eyes and skin.

 Step 1 is to remove the air intake where it attaches to the throttle body. Depending on your vehicle it may be necessary to remove the air intake duct further to allow access to the throttle body. Place the rag underneath the throttle body where the cleaner is likely to run out.                                                                                    

 

 

 

 The next step is to locate the throttle lever and while holding the throttle plate wide open, spray the cleaner into the throttle body bore.

 Now the fun part, grab the toothbrush and start scrubbing. Pay particular attention the the underside of the throttle plate and around the bore where the throttle plate sits when closed. The spray and scrub steps may need to be done a few times before all of the deposits are removed.

 

 

 

 Once all the black gunk is loosened and removed it is time to refit the air intake and start the engine. The engine will turn over quite a few times before starting and may missfire and carry on once started, this is perfectly normal. It may take several minutes for the cleaner to pass through the engine and white smoke from the exhaust until all the cleaner is burnt is normal as well.

 After the idle returns to normal I recommend a couple of quick wide-open throttle openings to ensure all the cleaner has passed through the engine. That basically sums it up, if you found a lot of build-up in your throttle body take the car for a drive and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Craig